The ancient and distinguished surname Wiggend indicates "son of Wigand," a personal name derived from the Breton name "Wiucon," meaning "high and noble." [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6) This name was introduced into England at the time of the Norman Conquest of 1066.Singlular forms of the name were still found in Normandy as late as 1198: Radulphus Wigan; and Richard Wiguen. [2]CITATION[CLOSE]The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)

Wiggend Early Origins

The surname Wiggend was first found in the county of Cambridgeshire, where one named Wighen [3]CITATION[CLOSE]Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8) was listed in the Domesday Book in 1086. Another early bearer of the name was Radulfus filius Wigein, who was living in Leicestershire in 1163. [4]CITATION[CLOSE]Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)Hereditary surnames were first used in England by the higher classes as a mark of distinction, but were later adopted by poorer people as well. Family names were standard in England by the 14th century, by which time the Wiggend family had already grown into several notable and distinguished houses, having been granted lands by Duke William of Normandy, their liege Lord, for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Wiggend Spelling Variations

Wiggend Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Wiggin, Wiggins, Wigan, Wigans, Wiegand, Wigand, Wigens and many more.

Wiggend Early History

Wiggend Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wiggend research. Another 236 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1279, 1379, 1592, 1667, 1633, 1637, 1696 and 1739 are included under the topic Early Wiggend History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wiggend Early Notables (pre 1700)

Wiggend Early Notables (pre 1700)

Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wiggend Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wiggend In Ireland

Wiggend In Ireland

Some of the Wiggend family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 150 words (11 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Captain Thomas Wiggin (1592-1667), who came to New England in 1630 and became the first Governor of the Upper Plantation of New Hampshire; Katherine Wiggin, who sailed to Boston in 1633.

Burke, Sir Bernard. Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Peerage and Baronetage, The Privy Council, Knightage and Compainonage. London: Burke Publishing, 1921. Print.

Shirley, Evelyn Philip. Noble and Gentle Men of England Or Notes Touching The Arms and Descendants of the Ancient Knightley and Gentle Houses of England Arranged in their Respective Counties 3rd Edition. Westminster: John Bowyer Nichols and Sons, 1866. Print.

The Wiggend Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Wiggend Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.